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ABN: 15 171 624 226

Annual Report 2013 – 2014

19th November 2014

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About Western Sydney Community Forum

Leading On issues that impact on the Community Sector

Strengthening And Resourcing the Community Sector to invigorate communities

Developing The Community Sector Work Force through Affordable Training & Mentoring

Vision: Leading Greater Western Sydney Community Organisations to enhance strong, democratic, vibrant, socially just local communities. Description: WSCF is the Greater Western Sydney regional peak organisation providing regional leadership, facilitating collaborative action and developing resources to enable community organisations to effectively address issues relating to social justice and social inclusion. Purpose: WSCF strengthens the work of community organisations across the Greater Western Sydney region to increase the capacity and resilience of disadvantaged communities. It represents Greater Western Sydney issues to all levels of government. About us: WSCF works to build strong, organised communities by bridging the divide between communities and policy makers at the local, regional, state and national level. As a capacity building and advocacy organisation, WSCF ensures a voice for people working daily with the challenges facing the region, connecting those too often left out. We work to strengthen partnerships with community based practitioners, non-government organisations and others committed to finding solutions by bringing together resources, partners and information. We utilise a range of strategies to promote local successes and local leaders. Clients: Community-based organisations working for Social Justice in Greater Western Sydney.

Geographic reach: Greater Western Sydney WSCF provides services and support across fifteen (15) Local Government areas: Auburn, Bankstown, Baulkham Hills, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Holroyd, Liverpool, Parramatta, Penrith, Wingecarribee and Wollondilly.

WSCF has a membership base of 200 organisations

which in turn connect with over 500,000 people across Greater Western Sydney

Region

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WSCF Chairperson’s Report 2013-2014 Like air traffic over the Sydney skies, there has been no shortage of activity and hustle in the Western Sydney Community Forum over the past 12 months.

In large part our time, efforts and energy have been invested in activities that have long been core business for the forum. These are activities and programs that the sector has come to rely on such as sector training and development, work to resource, co-ordinate and lead the home and carer support sector,

affordable housing projects and Western Sydney’s own version of the Logies - the ZEST awards - which celebrates leadership, innovation and outcomes in social and community work throughout the area. We have also pushed into a number of new directions that we think are important for organisations interested in growing community health and wellbeing in Western Sydney.

These have included: Advocacy for the Badgerys Creek airport: The Forum took a bold step this year and with a number of partners founded the Western Sydney Airport Alliance. We see the airport as both an opportunity to solve one of the nation's oldest infrastructure challenges as well as an opportunity for jobs, economic and community development in the region. With Federal and State Government endorsing the airport, this will be a game changer for the region.

CALD mentoring program: At a time where many policy makers, community leaders and communities themselves are facing a number of challenges around how to truly and helpfully integrate people newly arrived to Australia, this program has been a positive and practical step forward. There have been a number of participants learning skills and fitting into workplaces through Western Sydney and stability of employment.

Pursuing growth in partnerships between community-minded corporate organisations and community-based organisations: We have worked closely with the University of Western Sydney on a project to build a common language and spark relationship between the corporate and community sectors in the region. To lead by example we have forged closer ties with Deloitte and the Western Sydney Business Chamber - Western Sydney who have supported us with rooms for launches, providing input into discussion forums and sponsoring ZEST prizes this year.

Our view is that partnerships are an important part of our future, both for the Forum and the community sector in Western Sydney more broadly. It is time to re-affirm our visions and what we stand for, and to move to look for partnerships, allies and ways of working that may have previously seemed unlikely. This will help enable us all to achieve our goals of bridging divides and building a common agenda between sectors to focus on the health and wellbeing of communities across the Greater Western Sydney Region.

Thanks to each of the Board Members who have served the Forum well over the past 12 months; to our Executive Team for their tireless efforts, passion and commitment they bring to the work; and of course to our project, training and administration staff who are the key strength in the work we do.

We look forward to the growth, challenges and opportunities on the road ahead as we continue to work to strengthen and draw together all parties interested in making Western Sydney a great place to live, work and do community.

Sincerely, Nathan Brown

Chairperson

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Executive Officer Report

Mary Waterford

Our members interface with about 500,000 people per year.

ZEST Community Awards have been an unqualified success with over 500 guests at our 2014 event.

From 100s of nominations, we now have a story-bank of more than 400 great initiatives, innovations and collaborations.

WSCF coverage includes: 15 LGAs 3 FaCS districts of WS Nepean BM, and SWS A population of 1.9 million People.

A BIG JOB!

WSCF : Leading Strengthening Developing

WSCF has just turned 30 years old! We have a lot of experience in GWS, a region under considerable interest from politicians and business and the media after decades of neglect. We have a lot of experience in resourcing community services.

Our sector, the community sector, the NGO sector – we are moving into a time of unprecedented change. Never before has so much been so uncertain. The contestable tendering processes and the push towards funding programs across regional rather than locally is having a negative impact on collaboration and morale. There are many new players in our world including businesses and for profits. It’s harder to get new grants and the demise of Community Builders fixed-term / WSAAS has been very impactful.

So this year in particular we have seen the need to develop some new ways to profile the sector, to strengthen our work and to extend our reach beyond the sector. We have partnered with FACS in the Western Sydney Collective – a new way of bringing business into engagement with government and the community in thinking about making a difference in some of the places of entrenched disadvantage.

Other strategies we have developed over recent years have demonstrated their worth in the period. Five years ago WSCF in partnership with TRI Community Exchange and WESTIR, decided to actively change the story of WS - we commenced a strategy of promoting the positive things that happen in our region. We ventured down a path of recognising and rewarding great community leaders, partnerships and innovations in the ZEST Awards – leading to multiple unforseen positive outcomes. WSCF is a foundation member of the WS Airport Alliance, with the Business Chamber-WS. We saw the long term opportunities the Airport will bring to our region and we didn’t want to lose this to another area. We wanted a strong community voice that could ensure the advantage is spread to all of our community, that young people without networks to work would also be part of this once in a lifetime project; that affordable housing is in the mix, that public transport is built in from the beginning. So we were very pleased in April 2014 to have bipartisan announcement of Federal State government commitment to the infrastructure development of Badgerys Creek.

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WSCF is also a member of the Sydney Alliance, a partnership of community organisations, faith based groups and unions to build a voice for the common good in Sydney. The Alliance is a long term strategy with discipline, diversity and unity at its core. We have an agreed agenda for Affordable Housing, Transport and Working Start - we now have 48 partners also working with us – partners such as the Catholic Church, Unions NSW, Cancer Council, Jewish Board of Deputies, United Voice, Asian Women at Work and Inner South West Regional Development Organisation. Together we are building power and influence. It’s ambitious and it’s exciting (and you can join us).

Meanwhile, as reported fulsomely within these pages, we continue to do our core work on social justice and resourcing the sector. Our work with Aboriginal workers and communities, most especially on the Aboriginal Organisation Capacity Building and the Parenting Forum - A Stronger Voice for Aboriginal Families and our growing partnership with Baabayn women elders has been rich and strong and strengthened our commitment. Our development of the ‘Share knowledge, build skill’ CALD Mentoring project is another way we demonstrate our social justice commitment – it has created a lasting resource for newer CALD workers.

WSCF has responded to the uncertainty of the times by developing excellent web based resources for the sector, running tender writing training, organising many regional forums and continued to offer great training to resource the reform process. – I live on your website a manager of an organisation reported. Will these strategies make us and the sector more sustainable? We often fear we are dancing at shadows with little indication of who is designing strategy for government and what the future holds for the traditional community sector. We hope the age old principles will keep our backbone straight – social justice at the core, working together with a strong membership base, working across sectors and being continually creative and celebrating our wins – but there is no doubt we are at sea in rocky waters. We can only hope all our life-jackets are waterproof! As Executive Officer I would like to thank and acknowledge the work of our skilled and experienced staff team who give their very best and work extremely hard to meet the challenges of the times. I constantly hear from our partners what great work they do. I thank the management team - Nancy Nicholson and Eva Gerencer in particular. Finally I commend the WSCF Board for stepping up to our work. Regrettably this is the final year of Lisa Foster’s involvement at WSCF – she has given generously since 2009 and been either Chair or Vice Chair for most of the period, as well as guiding our Aboriginal projects. We are also losing Nathan Brown, Chair in 2013 2014 and Board member since 2011. Nathan’s enthusiasm, intelligence and strategic thinking has been invaluable to WSCF and his willingness to rise to challenges in a timely way most appreciated. WSCF is a fine organisation and I feel fortunate to lead it.

Mary Waterford Executive Officer

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MEMBERS OF THE WSCF BOARD 2013 -2014 WSCF is governed by a Board elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting. The Board is comprised of eight members and meets bi-monthly. Each year Board Members participate in a 2 day Future Directions Planning and Review Retreat whereby Strategic Directions for the next 3 years are decided upon.

Board Members: Nathan Brown, Alex Long, Randa Kattan, Melissa Monterio, Pam Batkin, Kris Newton (Absent: Lisa Foster & David Fisher)

Nathan Brown (CHAIR) Wesley Mission Brighter Futures Lisa Foster (VICE CHAIR) Manager St Marys Area Community Development Project Melissa Monteiro (SECRETARY) Manager Community Migrant Resource Centre Pam Batkin (TREASURER) Manager Woodville Community Services Inc

Kris Newton Manager Mountains Community Resource Network Alex Long (STAFF LIAISON) Youth Action – Western Sydney David Fisher Public Affairs Coordinator UnitingCare Children – Young People & Families

Randa Kattan Executive Director Arab Council Australia Inc

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WSCF STAFF TEAM 2013 - 2014

WSCF Staff at ZEST Awards Event held February 2014

WSCF Management Team Mary Waterford—Executive Officer

Eva Gerencer—Strategic Directions Nancy Nicholson—Operations

WSCF REGIONAL RESOURCE STAFF Dana Rosinski—Learning & Development Worker – (HACC)

Liz Reedy—Transport Development Worker

Mary Kerr—Transport Development Worker (started Jan ’14) Rocellita Lacsina— HACC Development Officer

Louise Sutcliffe—HACC Development Officer Vanessa Chavez—CALD Worker Mentoring Project Coordinator

Tom Nance—Sector Development Officer Charles Joseph—Finance Manager

Deborah McIntosh—Office Manager

Catherine Jobson—Project Worker (Zest) (Mar 2014)

Carolyn Oakley—Administrative Officer Staff who Left in the last 12 months Hugh Worrall — Transport Development (to Nov ‘13) Miguel Ferrero —Training & Development Officer - (to Feb ’14) Semra Guler—Sector Development Officer (to Aug ’13) Shirley Blacklaws —Aboriginal Organisation Capacity Building Worker

STUDENTS: Hadi Bagheri, Preston Peachey, Zac Falkner, Tim Cahill, Vaive Mase, Chantelle Monjo, Ellen Karimanovic, and Michelle Shamoell.

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Services: Community Services (CS)

Family and Community Services: Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC)

Transport for NSW: Local and Community Transport

Department of Social Services (HACC) (Federal)

WSCF 2011-2015 Strategic Plan WSCF works in three ways to resource the community sector and to represent Western Sydney:

Regional Development: Through our Sector Development, Home & Community Care, Community Care Support and Transport Development Programs, WSCF supports and resources collaboration between sub-regional/regional groups and networks; responds to current and emerging issues and needs in the region; facilitates participation and representation in planning and decision making processes; and supports the development of services that better meet the needs of marginalised and disadvantaged people and communities in Western Sydney.

Learning and Development: Provides non-government organisations and groups with learning opportunities, resources and training courses. We supports the development of staff and management of services that meet the needs of marginalised and disadvantaged communities. We also provides translation of written materials into a range of community languages.

Social Policy: Provides government and decision-makers with good information about Western Sydney issues and strategies to overcome disadvantage. We enables the community sector to have input into government programs.

WESTERN SYDNEY POPULATION RESULTS SOUGHT:

Strong, democratic, vibrant, socially just local communities in

Greater Western Sydney

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In the July 2013 to June 2014 period WSCF was the leader in the several diverse initiatives:

Leadership

WESTERN SYDNEY AIRPORT ALLIANCE WSCF claimed a seat at the table for the community sector in becoming a founding member of the Western Sydney Airport Alliance. We saw the opportunity to build tens of thousands of jobs in the region and to put affordable housing on the development agenda. WSCF will continue to advocate for social justice outcomes in the developments – apprenticeships and jobs for young people, good accessible public transport links and housing for the range of people who will work in the vicinity. SYDNEY ALLIANCE WSCF is one of 48 partners in the Sydney Alliance, a long term strategy to build a voice for the common good in Sydney. We held an Assembly in Sydney Town Hall in October with 1,500 participants to launch our 2015 State election campaign. Our key issues are transport, affordable housing and jobs for marginalised young people. STRONGER VOICE FOR GWS (SVGWS) WSCF is the lead agency in the SVGWS, which represents sector and regional issues to government and develops resources for our members to involve local people in participating in democratic processes. In 2013 we developed Federal Election Facts Sheets on GWS people and issues including children & families; indigenous populations; community sector; environmental sustainability and financial stress. This Kit enabled local organisations to educate and inform candidates. SVGWS was also active in supporting the TAFE Community Alliance, documenting impacts of proposed cuts to the tertiary education system on local communities.

Federal and State Governments made

bi-partisan commitment to the Airport on April 15

2014! A GAME-CHANGER for the GWS Region WSCF 30th Anniversary Heartiest congratulations!

Over the years WSCF has provided exemplary leadership and strong, consultative representation on issues faced throughout the greater Western Sydney Region and played and continues to provide a vital role in the development of policy and programs across the region on social and economic fronts across the three levels of government and the non-government sector. Congratulations!!!!!!! Appreciative regards

- Ricci Bartels WSCF Life Member Former Director of Fairfield Migrant Resource Centre

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ZEST Awards

The range of individuals and organisations nominated reflected the diverse nature and meaningful contributions of the community sector across the region.

ZEST COMMUNITY SECTOR AWARDS WSCF is the lead in the 4th ZEST Awards in partnership with TRI Community Exchange and WESTIR, recognising and rewarding great community work, leadership and partnerships across the region. This year we moved to ANZ Stadium to accommodate the 500 guests who witnessed the presentation of 15 Awards in a spectacular night.

It is heartening to see nominations for the ZEST Awards continue to grow each year. In 2013-2014, 108 nominations received from across all Local Government areas of GW Sydney.

We launched the ZEST Ambassador project attracting high profile ambassadors from the University of Western Sydney, Western Sydney Wanderers and the Sydney Business Chamber: Western Sydney, as well as community sector champions.

Baabayn Banner

PARENTING FORUM - A STRONGER VOICE FOR ABORIGINAL FAMILIES WSCF held the Parenting Forum: “A Stronger Voice for Aboriginal Families” on September 24th 2013. The Forum explored Aboriginal parenting programs in GWS, looking at what is most effective with the view of enhancing broader local practices. It bought together 125 local Aboriginal people, elders, practitioners and services across the region. Its success was in bringing the voices and perspectives of Aboriginal families and community to service providers, talking about ‘what good parenting looks like to Aboriginal people’.

Baabayn Women’s Corporation Baabayn Women’s Corporation and WSCF have formed a partnership to advance the interests of disadvantaged Aboriginal Communities in Western Sydney.

Baabayn are an incorporated group of five Aboriginal Elders (Women), who live and work voluntarily in the community of Mt Druitt. Baabayn Women’s Corporation have developed a vision to establish a cultural and healing centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Communities in Western Sydney.

Baaybayn Women’s Tuesday’s Group

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COMMUNITY-CORPORATE ENGAGEMENT Changing times, uncertainty about government funding and growing complex issues all mean that community organisations need to broaden our networks and work more closely with the business community. We need new ways to strengthen our work. Western Sydney Community Forum has been building our knowledge for the last 5 years in the area of Corporate-Community relations. Over the last year WSCF has strengthened our relationships and expertise in engaging with businesses.

The Community Corporate Engagement Toolkit provides six tips about how to engage with a potential corporate partner. These tips encompass more than just replicating the languages and approaches of the corporate sector. Rather, community organisations can use this resource to better understand the different ways corporations engage with the community sector, and select an approach that is most appropriate.

In 2013 we received a small grant from Parramatta City Council to assist WSCF in undertaking an action research project to understand and grow community business partnerships. A cross-sector Advisory Group was established with representatives from businesses, Parramatta Business Chamber, Parramatta City Council, social enterprises and community organisations to guide and advise the project.

A qualitative and quantitative research process (one-on-one interviews, focus groups, survey) was undertaken as well as information gathered through informal means via networking events and meetings. A final report to be launched late 2014.

August 2013 we launched the Community-Corporate Engagement Toolkit – How to get a Corporate Partner.

Eva Gerencer

THE COLLECTIVE – WESTERN SYDNEY We have been working closely with the Western Sydney District of FaCS in establishing the Western Sydney Collective which was launched on Tuesday 2 September 2013 at Deloitte in Parramatta. The Collective is a model which aims to break the cycle of disadvantage in communities through collaboration across government, businesses and community.

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NEW WORK FOR WSCF

Over the last year WSCF was successful in attracting short-term contracts to strengthen the work of the community sector.

Specialist Homelessness Services Tender Writing Training In late 2013, WSCF was contracted by Homelessness NSW to deliver 16 training sessions across NSW to introduce Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) to tender writing in preparation for the NSW Going Home Staying Home tenders.

WSCF successfully delivered these sessions as part of our contract with Homelessness NSW. While services were understandably anxious about the reforms, responses to the training were generally very positive.

Strengthening the MREEP WSCF was successfully awarded a contract by St Vincent De Paul to strengthen the Macarthur Real Estate Engagement Project (MREEP) over a 6 month period from late 2013. WSCF had originally initiated the project in 2011 and we were very excited to be given the opportunity to work with the MREEP working party and further develop and strengthen the model.

Trying to tackle an issue as complex as homelessness can’t be done by just one sector. The MREEP started in the recognition that community services need to work with the real estate industry to support tenants in hardship to help prevent them from becoming homelessness. The Project uses a collaborative approach to address the needs of those at risk of homelessness, using existing resources of the service system. The project works at finding the common ground between the two industries.

After just over 2 years of operation, 57 tenancies have been saved with a 77% success rate for tenants who were able to be contacted.

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Supporting tenants, benefits real estate agents by intervening before a tenant is evicted, saving stress, time and money in the process of eviction. Supporting tenants who are struggling to maintain their tenancies benefits the community service sector and government by preventing people entering the homelessness service system.

The working party has developed detailed costings of these savings based on the experience of members with real estate with industry background.

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from all stakeholders and as a result, a number of new real estate agents have joined the project. The project was rebranded, a website developed and on-line referrals are now in place. Behind-the-scenes, internal processes and procedures have been strengthened and a 3 year Strategic Plan developed.

The work on MREEP represents an estimated cost saving to the local real estate industry of $57,000 in eviction proceedings and $1.1million in loss of

future earnings.

The project model continues to generate interest beyond the Macarthur region and presentations about the model were given at:

Givewell 2014 : Forum For Purpose Redefining the Social Sector

NSW 2014 Shelter Conference Sub-Committee of the Premier’s Council on

Homelessness Penrith Homelessness Summit.

Project was successfully re-launched to the Macarthur Real Estate industry on 2 April by Bryan Doyle MP, Member for Campbelltown

Collective Impact Forum Collective Impact is a framework for collaboration receiving great interest in Australia over the last year. As successful forum was held on 28 February in partnership with United Way, CSI and LCSA at Sydney Business Chamber in Parramatta. Over 70 people attended the session with guest speakers from the Magnolia Place Initiative in LA. Collective Impact recognises that entrenched and challenging social problems are not able to be addressed by a single organisation or sector in the community. A collective approach is therefore needed and collective impact happens when actors from different sectors make a long term commitment to a common agenda for solving specific social and environmental problems.

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Community Builders

In May 2014 there was an announcement that Community Builders Renewable funding was to be rolled over an additional two years, with review and reform to take place during this period. 71% agreed the forum helped build a sense of identity of the Community Builders program 71% agreed the forum shared new ideas for evaluating Community Builders activities

Sector Development is:

CSO engagement and representation to ensure that Greater Western Sydney issues are represented at all levels. Promote and support skill development in CSOs to enable workers to provide high quality service delivery

Resource CSOs in Greater Western Sydney so that they are better informed about sector directions and reforms and therefore be better positioned for decision making.

Promote a culture of cross sector collaboration to strengthen CSOs and improve community level outcomes in Greater Western Sydney

Sector Development Community Builders renewable funded services began the financial year with a lot of uncertainty, as the current funding cycle was coming to an end on the 30th of June, 2014. WSCF took a lead role in seeking clarity around the future of the project and in October 2013 held a Community Builders Renewable Forum.

Over 40 people gathered to hear great examples of innovative practice. Speakers touched upon how they effectively evaluated their project. The speakers were followed by small group discussions covering what was happening in the sector and role that evaluation plays in effective community development practice.

The last twelve months has been a period of transition for the Community Builders team, both Semra Guler and Miguel Ferrero leaving WSCF after many years of service. Tom Nance and Vanessa Chavez have stepped into the sector development roles and have moved quickly to strengthen and support the sector during this time of review and reform.

Sector Capacity Building WSCF has provided assistance on a number of key issues to the sector, building their capacity to respond to the rapid changes which are taking place. Representatives from WSCF have utilised interagency and other community meetings to deliver information to the sector on a number of key issues, including sector reform and development opportunities. WSCF also offers an information and advice service to any community sector organisation (CSO) who requires assistance. This has allowed our workers to connect with community sector organisations on a one on one basis to help provide them with solutions to help their organisation move forward.

Network, Coalitions and Advisory Groups WSCF has utilised its position on influential advisory groups to advocate for positive outcomes for services and communities in Greater Western Sydney. Membership of both the Migrant Advisory Committee and the Multicultural Affairs Advisory Group allows WSCF to represent the sector, give feedback to important policy changes and gather information to report back to key stakeholders.

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WSCF also is the lead agency in the Stronger Voice for Greater Western Sydney (SVGWS) network which aims to build a positive image of Western Sydney and present a united voice for the Community Sector in the region. In 2013 the network developed a Federal Election Kit to enable local organisations to educate and inform candidates on five key issues: children and families; indigenous; community sector; environmental sustainability and financial stress. SVGWS also supported the TAFE Community Alliance regarding impacts of the proposed cuts to the tertiary education system.

The CALD Communities Conference

WSCF’s Miguel Ferrero was a member of the organising committee for this Conference held at Canley Vale.

The aims of the Conference included: To provide a platform for politicians, academics, community

workers in ethno specific, multicultural & mainstream community organisations , CALD community leaders and management committee members, to discuss the current situation and the future of CALD organisations in NSW.

Analyse the impact of current multicultural government policies and strategies and how they affect the sustainability of CALD community organisations.

To highlight, recognise and promote the fundamental role CALD community organisations have in the settlement of migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants and also the social, economic and cultural development of Australia.

The conference was promoted through local and ethic media, the CALD Communities Coalition website, NSW SLASA’s website and through interagencies, networks and forums; more than 200 individuals, ethnic and mainstream organisations registered and attended. Lift the Lid on Gambling Forum Western Sydney Community Forum has partnered with the following organisations to deliver this forum:

Granville Multicultural Community Centre, Uniting Care Mental Health Counselling Services, the Gambling Help Line and the Multicultural Problem Gambling Service for NSW

Miguel Ferrero

The CALD communities Coalition’s aim is

- To strengthen and promote the capacity of the ethnic community organisations specially to cultivate a culture of support and collaboration among CALD communities

-To facilitate an environment that ensures ongoing consultation, planning, cooperation, communication and advocacy across community based and managed organisations.

We will do this through a self-managed and sustainable framework with shared values and shared goals.

What does problem gambling look like?

How do we know if a client or their family has a problem with gambling?

What services can we refer someone to if they are experiencing gambling issues?

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New Challenges require new actions

Action is inhibited by inertia, fear, self-doubt, isolation and

apathy

Action is facilitated by the urgency, hope, you can make

a difference attitude, solidarity and passion.

The Brave New World – the future of the Community Sector” was one of the highest profile events on our calendar in 2013-2014.

The event, which was structured as a Q & A panel, was part of the wider celebrations for WSCF’s 30th birthday.

The Q & A was a means of telling a story about ‘us’, the community sector, and the longevity of this sector.

The discussion was about highlighting the challenges the sector has faced and survived, and setting the scene for the new challenges in the future.

The panel of speakers:

1. Robin Gurr, Coordinator of WSAAS from 1981 – 1985 2. Christopher Stone, Research Director: Centre of Policy Development 3. Randa Kattan Arab Council Australia 4. Christine Regan NCOSS 5. Tom Nancy WSCF 6. Brian Smith LCSA.

“Understand how you are feeling, hold your nerve, gather more information and then make a decision” – Brian Smith LCSA

NB: Full report ‘Six Questions & Answers – Stories about us” is

available on our website.

www.wscf.org.au

Each of the presenters focussed on a specific question: 1. Back to the Future – How to get local initiatives funded- The story of a number of forces and progressive thinking culminating together at a time of rapid development and community need. 2. From Little things Big things Grow – Big Society

This story is one that says change is here and be smart as to what change you are being invited to take part in. 3. When Words do not Match Action – Observations for us to reflect on. ‘We have changed. We have become much more bureaucratised. There are strengths and challenges across our diverse communities in these time of change’. 4. Our Changing Landscape – Translate message from government in times of change is as important as ever now. Communities need real words and real explanations. 5. A Younger Perspective – Combining experience with youthful techno know-how is a powerful combination which can benefit the community sector going into the future. 6. Flying Pigs Economics – Is a prescription of our modern times where voters want excellent services, low taxes and a budget surplus and …. Flying pigs!

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CALD Worker Mentoring Project: Share Knowledge Build Skills June 2013-July 2014

Purpose

The CALD Worker Mentoring Project was a fix term FACS funded project implemented during the two year period between June 2012 and July 2014. The project’s purpose being to:

Improve work practices for CALD workers through peer mentoring relationships. Build knowledge of community service culture, workplace expectations and sector

directions. Enhance CALD worker contributions and leadership within organisations. Tap into unused talent, wisdom, skills, opportunity for professional growth and

revitalization. Through peer to peer mentoring relationships, the CALD Worker mentoring project aimed to develop a model for sharing service ‘know how’ between experienced and newer (CALD) community service workers in Western Sydney.

Objectives Provide a unique opportunity for CALD staff to gain knowledge about employer

expectations within the Australian workplace. Help individuals to recognise the skills they possess and be better prepared for work

challenges. Allow individuals to understand the context in which they are working and to apply their

existing skills.

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Community Languages Over sixteen community languages were spoken amongst participating workers including:

Arabic Vietnamese Mandarin

Farsi Hindi Urdu

Norwegian Nepali

Romanian Dari

Persian

Portuguese

Spanish

Hazaregi

Kanwa

Pashti

Turkmen

Achievements

WSCF works towards building strong resilient community service organisations in Western Sydney. A key strategic direction of WSCF is to provide training and new learning opportunities for workers who engage with ‘hard to reach’ community groups across our region. The CALD Worker Mentoring Project, provided a new professional development experience through the establishment of group mentoring peer to peer relationships.

Through services managers interviews the project was able to identify specific skill development areas for new staff, particularly those from CALD backgrounds. These included

Increasing knowledge on navigating the community services network

Australian workplace and worker expectations Manager-worker interactions Keeping professional boundaries with communities Organisational and planning Skills Communication skills including use of IT and social media Participants came from a range of community services including, early childhood, family support, settlement, refugee and humanitarian services, aged care CALD social support, mental health, community development and multicultural services. Workers reported the following outcomes from their participation in mentoring project:

Individual Outcomes

Established and sustained new connections with a diversity of workers in the community services sector

Increased worker capacity to identify own individual skills and strengths.

Increased worker confidence and therefore increased workplace participation

Increased knowledge of issues facing CALD workers in community services

Found new ways of maintaining professional boundaries Having a group of workers to contact in times of change

was of great value in being able to keep going during challenging times.

The project engaged 20 community sector workers from a mix of large and small non-profit organisations in Auburn, Bankstown, Blacktown, Parramatta and Penrith. Community Service experience ranged from under a year to 20 years or more.

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Organisational Outcomes

Workers provided with a new way of gaining knowledge about working in community services. Group mentoring gave participants an opportunity to gain different perspectives on a work related issue or challenge.

During a time of significant change in the community

services sector, workers where provided with a neutral and safe space where they could seek advice/support and talk about frustrations with workers outside of their organisations without negative consequences in their workplace.

Identification of the need for a “worker type hot line” where

community service staff can seek advice and support outside one’s own organization, especially during times of change.

Community Sector Benefits

The CALD worker project provided WSCF an opportunity to explore new ways of supporting community service workers to further enhance professional development within the sector. As a result of this process, WSCF is developing an online, web based mentoring system over the next year, as part of its sector engagement and capacity building role.

The purpose of ‘online mentoring’ is assist workers to come together in discussing workplace issues and find practical solutions to workplace challenges.

Workers would be able to exchange lived experiences in the sector, resources and information. Workers registering to access the resource would be volunteering information based on their work experiences in the community services sector.

An online support/advice platform would also assist time poor workers in seeking ‘industry know how’ promptly.

“Coming to the mentoring meetings it’s like ‘worker respite’ for me, especially when I am trying to deal

with a lot of changes in our organisation.” – Mentor

“I really like the opportunity of sharing my experiences with someone who is not my manager, and I don’t need to worry

how this will affect my work.” – Mentee.

I can use this space to check in and make sure I

am going in the right direction before bringing

any issues up with my manager”. – Mentee

The project was very adaptable and flexible, so

mentoring was built around the changing needs of all involved”. – Mentor

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Aboriginal Organisations Capacity Building Project

A Stronger Voice for Aboriginal Families

Shirley Blacklaws

“Hear my story, not as a victim but as a survivor”

“Building relationships is key to working with families”

WSCF held the “A Stronger Voice for Aboriginal Families” Forum in September 2013. The Forum explored Aboriginal parenting programs in GWS, looking at what is most effective with the view of enhancing broader local practices.

It bought together 125 local Aboriginal people, elders, practitioners and services across the region. Its success was in bringing the voices and perspectives of Aboriginal families and community to service providers, talking about ‘what good parenting looks like to Aboriginal people’.

The aim of this forum was to provide family and community workers working with Aboriginal families the opportunity to identify specific elements of practice that are most effective in engaging and supporting Aboriginal parents taking part in parenting programs.

The Welcome to Country: “One People, One Land” was performed by the Baabayn Elders’ Group, who also provided hand painted small stones with a different design for each participant.

We heard personal stories about the impact of trauma from past Government policies, of how families were broken up and moved around, about cruelty, hardship, discrimination and racism.

We also heard many stories of great personal resilience and strength, of hope and passion to change things for their families and future generations.

Shirley Blacklaws (WSCF), Jackie Stewart (FWT&DP),

Ellen Karimanovic (WSCF), Marilyn Fischer (FaCS)

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WSCF 2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT

2014 ZEST Awards WSCF once again committed in partnership with WESTIR and TRI Community Exchange to celebrate the community sector through the annual ZEST Awards.

We believe in Greater Western Sydney and the great work the community sector does in the region and that this work should be recognised and celebrated. The ZEST Awards embodies this belief and has achieved this each year since its inception.

The Ceremony

The ZEST Awards Ceremony was a resounding success in recognising some of the great work which takes place in the Community Sector of Greater Western Sydney with feedback indicating that 98% of attendees enjoyed the ceremony. To accommodate growing interest the ZEST Awards were moved to ANZ Stadium, with over 500 people filling the Millennium Room on the 26th of February, 2014.

Guests were treated to stunning performances by Manea Pacifica and Hybrid Formz Academy.

The night ended on a high with the induction into the ZEST Hall of Fame of:

Cheryl Webster OAM, Maree McDermott OAM & Uncle Wes Marne

We Believe in Greater Western

Sydney

The 4th instalment annual of the ZEST Awards represented an exciting time in ZEST’s short history due to a number of achievements including:

Moving to a new venue, ANZ Stadium

A new high for attendance, with over 500 people present on the night

A record number of nominations, with 108 received in total

A new ZEST Ambassador program

An increase in sponsorship, driven by new and exciting partnerships

“The new venue for ZEST is fantastic with very helpful

supporting staff”

“Excellent venue and great food were the highlights in

a very good night out.”

22

The Winners on the night

Maria and Richard Maguire - Outstanding Community Leader - Volunteer Capacity Stephanie Oatley - Outstanding Community Leader - Paid Capacity Katrina di Pietro - Outstanding Youth Leader Pearls of Granville - Out of the Box Award Student Connect - Exceptional Community Partnership across a Region Safe Celebrations Project - Exceptional Community Partnership in an LGA TJW Youth Clicks Committee - Exceptional Project in a Not for Profit Organisation Building Social Cohesion in Blacktown - Outstanding Project in a CALD Organisation/Group Young Mob Leaders Program - Outstanding Project in an Aboriginal Organisation/Group Green Wings - Exceptional Social Enterprise in a Not for Profit Organisation One Parramatta - Outstanding Use of Technology by a Not for Profit Organisation Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters - Outstanding Voluntary Organisation/Group Cheryl Webster OAM - Hall of Fame Maree McDermott OAM - Hall of Fame Uncle Wes Marne - Hall of Fame

Highly Commended Awards were also received by: Aurelia Rahman - Outstanding Community Leader - Paid Tony Hunter - Outstanding Community Leader - Paid Lucy Brotherton - Outstanding Community Leader - Volunteer Aboriginal Women's Leadership Project - Out of the Box Life as We Know It - Out of the Box Macarthur Yarning Circle - Exceptional Community Partnership across a Region Meals Plus Community Outreach Project - Exceptional Community Partnership in an LGA No Boundaries - Exceptional Community Partnership: LGA The Mondo Community Safety Project - Exceptional Community Partnership in an LGA BREED Business Centre - Exceptional Social Enterprise in a Not for Profit Organisation Taste Tours - Exceptional Social Enterprise in a Not for Profit Organisation Parents Cafe - Outstanding Project in a CALD Organisation/Group

23

WSCF 2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT

Ambassadors

The development of the ZEST Ambassador project promises to be an important landmark in the history of the ZEST Awards. The project allowed both high profile leaders of Western Sydney and Community Sector Champions to Ambassadors to play an active role in spreading the word about ZEST.

The Ambassadors’ passion for ZEST was best demonstrated at the ZEST Awards Ceremony, during which Peter Shergold delivered a rousing speech on behalf of the Ambassadors.

“It was really an honour to be a ZEST Ambassador and to be

part of the awesome ZEST Awards Ceremony”

The ZEST Ambassadors

Peter Shergold, Chancellor of the University of Western Sydney

David Borger, WS Director, Sydney Business Chamber Lyall Gorman, Executive Chairman, WS Wanderers FC Aunty Carol Cooper, Community Elder Cen Amores, Alliance of Philippine Community

Organisations Luke Penrith, Savvy Penny Inc. Irene Ross, Australian Federation of Business &

Professional Women Natasha Lay, Youth Leader Oliver Maboreke, Formerly of Settlement Services

International

Research Interview Q:

What does ZEST represent to you?

Participant’s response:

ZEST Awards’ role is actually public recognition of the success stories, projects, activities, that people have been doing to make the place a better place to live in, particularly in the GWS area.

24

New Friends and Supporters

In 2014 the ZEST Awards raised a record amount through sponsorship,

ensuring that the Ceremony could continue

to maintain the high standard it has set in

previous years.

The continued success of the ZEST Awards has allowed the team to attract new sponsors for the awards, as well as consolidate relationships with existing ones.

The sponsors of the 2014 ZEST Awards were:

NSW Department of Premier & Cabinet Sydney Community Foundation Bendigo Bank Social Enterprise Finance Australia Parramatta City Council Penrith City Council Hawkesbury City Council Blue Mountains City Council Local Community Services Association NCOSS Youth Action Community Resource Network (CRN) Inc. WSROC TAFE Western Sydney Institute

The ZEST awards are bigger than just

acknowledging a project, it’s acknowledging how

that project developed, who developed it and how they’ve developed it.”

- Bob Leslie

Joint Koori Interagency ZEST Award Winner and

Award Nominator

The ZEST Awards plays an important role in bringing people together, providing people in the community with the opportunity to network, and the chance to hear inspiring stories we have not heard before. As the table below illustrates there is continuing community interest in the ZEST Awards.

Year Nominations Attendance Venue

2011 73 280 Sebel, Parramatta

2012 94 400+ Grand Royale, Granville

2013 106 430 Grand Royale, Granville

2014 108 500+ ANZ Stadium, Olympic Park

Through the ZEST Awards WSCF is able to connect with the sector and engage with a wider audience including politicians, and business.

The ZEST Awards ensures that local leaders feel valued and successes in the community are celebrated and recognised.

25

WSCF 2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT

Home and Community Care (HACC) / Community Care Supports Program

(CCSP) Sector Development Purpose

The HACC/CCSP Sector Development Team at Western Sydney Community Forum informs, resources, educates, links and gives a voice to community care services in Western Sydney (Cumberland Prospect) and Nepean.

We provide leadership and specialist support to ensure the currency and sustainability of these services into the future.

This year has been massive in terms of supporting the community care sector to remain well informed and resilient in relation to the significant reforms in aged care and disability services. Not only has this involved extensive provision of information and resources at local and regional forums and via our network systems, but also providing leadership and promoting sector engagement and input into the reform process.

Our Objectives

a) Build the capacity and competency of Commonwealth Home and Community Care (HACC) and Community Care Supports Program (CCSP) service providers in Western Sydney and Nepean to deliver basic maintenance, support and care services.

b) Demonstrate leadership and provide professional advice and guidance on relevant sectoral management, service system reforms and, where relevant, broader social policy issues and impacts to organisations funded under HACC and CCSP.

c) Initiate and promote co-operative collaborations and partnerships that facilitate the ongoing development of organisations funded under HACC and CCSP to be more efficient, effective, integrated and outcomes-focused.

d) Develop resources that contribute to increasing the effectiveness, resilience and sustainability of organisations funded under HACC and CCSP.

WSCF HACC Development Officers (Louise Sutcliffe & Rocellita Lacsina) & HACC Learning & Development

Coordinator (Dana Rosinski)

26

“Excellent work, with the document, truly reflective of the concerns/issues raised by the sector”

- WSCF HACC/CCSP Annual Survey respondent

Participants at WS Community Symposium

“I was becoming jaded after having worked in the community services sector for so many years. This forum restored my enthusiasm and belief (in what we do)”.

- Feedback from participant

Some highlights include:

Ensuring a Voice for Western Sydney & Nepean services The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) Discussion Paper and sector briefings on My Aged Care (‘Aged Services’ gateway) in mid 2014 outlined the proposed key directions for community-based aged care support services in the future, effective July 2015. It was imperative that service providers had an opportunity to digest key themes and engage in the consultative process.

Our HACC Development Officers prepared briefing papers for both the My Aged Care Consultations and the Commonwealth Home Support Program Discussion Paper to facilitate discussion with the sector on key issues. These papers were disseminated via the WSCF website, HACC/CCSP newsletter and local forums.

Our HACC DOs facilitated discussions at local and regional forums, collating feedback from HACC and relevant providers on the proposed reforms. A final submission was made to the Commonwealth Department of Social Services, reflecting this feedback. The process was invaluable, with 94% of survey participants indicating it was very useful or useful.

Sharing best practice, collaborations and knowledge: The "Western Sydney Community Sector Symposium: Stories on Cross-Sector Collaboration" was held in August 2013, with our HACC Development Team (as active members of SWSI TAFE Granville Community Services Industry Reference Group) working closely with TAFE Granville and other organisations to make it happen.

27

WSCF 2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT

Approximately 110 participants listened to or told engaging stories of successful collaborations and partnerships in a broad range of community services. Five (5) feature stories and 11 story circles were presented on the day, including several on aged care and disability. WSCF edited and produced the booklet (for TAFE Granville), which was distributed at the event and via WSCF website. The event earned a nomination at the 2014 ZEST Awards for "Exceptional Community Partnership Project Across a Region".

Working group members of the WS Community Sector Symposium 2013

Another WSCF initiative involved facilitating and supporting a regional Consumer Directed Care (CDC) Discussion Group. This group explored the opportunities and challenges with implementing CDC, developed and submitted Questions on CDC and Home Care Packages to the Department of Social Services and developed a consumer checklist to assist with selecting package providers.

Feature Stories from WS Community Symposium 2013:

Intervention & Prevention in Family Violence: Dialogues between Community Leaders & Police through Education

A “Secret Garden” for Young People with Disability: Strength through Local Partnerships Young Carers Program: Achieving Best Practice on an Unrealistic Budget

Improving Communication between Hospital & Community Care: The Hospital-Community Information Card

Arts, Culture, Gardening & Parent Support for Indigenous Families

It has helped me understand how it (CDC) might be going to function which I need to know in my role

- CDC Discussion Group Participant

28

“Information I have received through WSCF has been very helpful during what I consider a season of stressful change”.

“It is my first forum and I think it was fantastic. It was a thoughtful discussion at a strategic level”

- WSCF HACC/CCSP Annual Survey respondent.

Ensuring a well informed and resourced sector With changes occurring at a rapid pace, it has been imperative that ongoing information, resources and training is provided locally and regionally. HACC Development Officers have been resourcing the sector by sharing key information at 40 local Community Care Forums and 5 Regional Forums held throughout the year. Speakers at these forums provided relevant and up-to-date information on the reforms, best practice and innovation. In addition, the sector was continuously updated via 20 articles in WSCF's HACC webpage, 8 Community Care Flash (HACC/CCSP newsletter) and the creation of a new webpage called ‘Tool Share’ where useful and relevant tools can be shared by the sector.

For the sector to stay abreast of government reforms and adapt well to change in the coming years, our HACC Development Officers will continue to support organisations through the transition process, ensuring access to necessary and strategic information, resources and training. We aim to assist as the community care sector increasingly moves towards a nationally-consistent, person-centred, consumer-directed and more competitive funding environment.

29

WSCF 2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT

Transport Development Western Sydney Community Forum (WSCF) Transport Development Workers identified an historic inequity in funding for Aboriginal Community Transport services across the Greater Western Sydney Region and applied to Transport for NSW for funding to address the lack of services in the North West of the Region compared to the South West.

While not successful in obtaining direct funding, WSCF have highlighted the inequity and Transport for NSW are working with WSCF to overcome the issue and are taking measures to begin to provide services to Aboriginal HACC eligible people living in the Mt Druitt area.

Mt. Druitt area has the highest number of Aboriginal people in the country.

Developing transport solutions for Aboriginal Communities in Western Sydney

The Transport Development Team supported the work of the Liverpool Transport Taskforce in addressing issues of congestion and accessibility to public buses at the Moore Street Bus Stop, Liverpool. The Team had worked with the Taskforce to film the bus stop and in a very powerful way, demonstrate the problems being experienced by local commuters.

Launching the film to representatives of bus operators, local government and Transport for NSW officers, Taskforce members were able to lobby for improvements in bus routes and signage and access at Moore Street.

WSCF continues to attend meetings and support the activities of the Liverpool Transport Taskforce, to facilitate meetings and build on their capacity to advocate for their communities.

Moore Street Bus Stop Liverpool

University of Western Sydney (UWS) Research Transport for NSW have funded WSCF to contract UWS researchers to develop methodologies to measure unmet transport needs in Western Sydney. WSCF facilitated a Western Sydney Reference group to steer the research. Based on the levels of unmet need for services, it is anticipated the methodology will be applicable across the state in the various types of regions, urban and rural, where community transport services are needed.

SAFFNA – confident and able to get around independently after trave training

30 Transport Story Project

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A RIDE MAKES At Western Sydney Community Forum (WSCF) we hear stories big and small and often about "transport disadvantage." Our member organisations tell us their concerns, we hear it at community consultations across Western Sydney, we read it in reports, and see it in submissions. We often get asked for 'stories' of real life situations which really highlight what is being talked about.

So Western Sydney Community Forum got thinking and decided to join with (up to) 10 organisations concerned about “transport disadvantage” in all forms to gather a series of stories to create a rich picture of how access to transport changes lives. The stories would reveal what services and governments can (and are) doing to make a difference. WSCF is committed to capacity building and so as part of this campaign we decided to provide the practical skills, processes and inspiration for our 10 partner organisations to become story ‘foot soldiers’; effectively equipping them with the capacity to identify and gather raw material from their members, staff and stakeholders. Our partner organisations : • Anglicare Social Support • Bankstown/Canterbury Community Transport • Care Connect- Partners in Recovery • Granville Multicultural Centre • Peppercorn Services • Shine for Kids • South West Community Transport • SydWest Multicultural Services • Western Sydney Community Forum • Western Sydney Public Transport Users • Youth Action.

SAFFNA – confident and able to get around independently after travel training

This training took the form of a one day workshop provided by WSCF. The participants agreed to collect 4 simple stories in exchange, using the learning and guidelines from the workshop. Our ten selected organisations became Transport Story Champions.

The story champions then went forth and started to gather the rich details of just what a difference a ride can make for people who are not served by the mass transport systems. Some organisations are in the process of collecting these stories while others have finalised their contributions.

31

WSCF 2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT

WSCF choose 'story' as the best way to contribute to a new meeting ground between community needs and transport provision. These stories have captured a profusion of ideas and emotions and go to the heart of quality of life issues. Thus providing new opportunities for 'transport' to be thought about in a humane context.

“By joining together and telling our stories as a whole, we will paint a bigger meaningful picture about the size and nature of the problem”.

– Liz Reedy Transport Development Worker Westmead Hospital Precinct Project WSCF have been working in partnership with Cancer Council NSW to identify solutions to traffic congestion and transport accessibility in and around the Westmead Hospital Precinct. We have conducted research which identifies: how people currently travel to the hospital; and the overwhelming problem of lack of sufficient parking facilities at the hospital to accommodate demand.

WSCF and Cancer Council have met with hospital redevelopment officers and shared our research results to support the development of strategies that will improve access, public transport and parking facilities at the Hospital. We have suggested the installation of a transit lounge, where patients and visitors can wait for shuttle buses or community or public transport options to pick them up and transport them to their destinations, or to less congested parking facilities.

Investigating the innovative model of Active Travel Planning for hospital staff - Active Travel Planning has been implemented at Liverpool Hospital and at facilities in the UK, which have been very successful in addressing some of the congestion and transport issues that have arisen there.

32

Learning and Development Program provides non-government organisations with learning opportunities, training and resources, including the translation of written materials into a range of community languages.

It supports the development of services to better meet the needs of marginalised and disadvantaged communities.

During the reporting period the L&D Program delivered a successful training calendar to Home and Community Care (HACC), Community Care Supports Program (CCSP) and Community Builders Program (CBP) funded organisations in Greater Western Sydney.

Learning and development opportunities were offered in the following areas:

Management Committee Skills Leadership Skills Writing Skills Advocacy Skills Service Delivery Models Worker Skills

Topics Included: Reclaiming Our Rights,

Healing our Future Reinvent your

Presentation: An Introduction to PREZI

Better Aged Care Professionals Ask Better Questions

Professional Boundaries in Community Care

Measuring Outcomes and Goals

Resilience - A "Must Have" Competency in Todays Workplace

Hoarding and Squalor Aboriginal Cultural

Awareness Training The Delicate Balance: Duty

of Care & Dignity of Risk Good Stories Gathering The Power of Data Tender Writing Fundraising Employment

Responsibilities Lobbying for

Management Committees / and Workers

Communication Confidence: Learning the Skills of Effective Communication

Submission Writing for Beginners

35 Skills / Training

Sessions were attended by 547

Workers

33

WSCF 2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT

Snap-shot evaluation report The results from eight randomly chosen training sessions assert that: 96.3% of participants

stated the training was well run and presented

92.2% of participants

stated the training met its aims and objectives

71.7% of participants

stated they have developed new skills as a result of participating in this training

Learning and development opportunities responding to current needs of the sector. Considering the latest sector reforms and changes to policy and service delivery models the WSCF L&D Program facilitated a number of opportunities to assist Managers/Coordinators, Team Leaders and workers with change management strategies/approaches.

Components of change management principles were offered through the following training activities: Communication Confidence Better Aged Care Professionals Ask Better Questions Measuring Outcomes Resilience – A Must Have Competency Implementing Consumer Directed Care

Learning opportunities to improve access to services for all, including people of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander background and people from CALD backgrounds

Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Person Centred Approaches: Ensuring Cultural

Responsiveness – in partnership with MDAA Reclaiming Our Rights; Healing our Future

What participants say about our training? “Fantastic training. Learned heaps and I know I will apply new skills not only in my work but also in my life. Thank you!!!” “One of the best training sessions I've attended in a long time.” “Fantastic trainer - skilled, friendly, funny. Great practical exercises. Good handouts.”

- Better Aged Care Professionals Ask Better Questions

“Excellent training - hope to remember what I learned today from now on everyday dealing with work and in my personal life.” “Great course, enjoyed the day - thank you. Loved material on emotional intelligence.”

- Communication Confidence

34

“Really great day. Informative. Mercy really knows her stuff. Good to hear from the other services working on same issue.” “Good case studies, practical tips for client engagement and client focus on plans. Up-to-date information and very interesting”.

- Hoarding and Squalor -

“I was absolutely dreading this workshop but thank you so much for making it accessible, informative and enjoyable.” “Excellent presenter and content. Able to meet all areas & vast representation of workforce.”

- Measuring Outcomes -

Amazing, best program I have been to. Very interesting and I learned a lot”. “Very challenging, engaging, enjoyed ethics and critical thinking”.

- Professional Boundaries -

“Training was great. I can go back to the office with knowledge I didn't have before. I now feel confident.” “Excellent training, I have some strategies to take with me both at work and home.” “A very useful skill and competency for staff in these changing times plus high expectations from funding bodies.”

- Resilience – A ‘Must Have’ Competency in Todays Workplace

Tailored/In-house learning and development opportunities

From time to time the L&D Program assists community organisation with requests for specialised training outside the WSCF Training Calendar. In this reporting period training organisations were assisted in the following areas:

Fundraising Lobbying Management Committee Skills Advocacy Program Guidelines

Randomly selected evaluation results show that:

88% participants stated that they have developed new skills and increased their capacity to engage and collaborate with other services as a result of attending our training

35

WSCF 2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT

TRANSLATIONS The L&D Program assisted: 9 organisations with the translation of promotional materials. 28,335 words were translated into 91 community languages. The five most requested languages were:

1. Vietnamese 2. Spanish 3. Turkish 4. Arabic 5. Chinese Simplified

& Traditional

Workforce Development Activities The Learning and Development Program continued to foster effective relationships with a broad range of NGO’s, government, and private sector providers in education and training industry stakeholder regarding workforce issues.

"Subject Matter Expert Group" for NSW Community Services & Health Industry Skills Council (CSHISC) - we provided feedback, identified workforce development issues and contributed to the review process of courses and units of competency as they apply to the aged care sector.

Industry Reference Group – SWSI Granville TAFE - we

provided information and guidance to the Community Services Section Staff to ensure courses delivered are better tailored to the needs of the community sector.

Australian Human Rights Commission and SWSI Granville TAFE - actively supported efforts to: - Design and deliver "Human Rights Framework in

Community Services" to existing community workers and TAFE students

- Promote the "Train the Trainer” component within the community sector

- Deliver awareness sessions in Greater Western Sydney - Achieve course accreditation nationwide

The L&D Program also shares ideas and knowledge and provides relevant information to assist project coordinators of the Nepean MAP and CCSS Project to assist and ensure culturally sensitive care is provided to all clients.

The L& D Program is a member of the NSW Community Care Training Services Network where sector-wide strategies and current issues are identified and discussed to ensure that learning and development activities across NSW meet the needs of community sector providers.

36

Communications

In July, 2013 we revamped our website. We changed the format of E-flash and integrated it into the website. We have invested resources in training staff in writing as well as upload content.

Over this period, 26 E-flash newsletter were sent out to our subscriber base which has grown from 1,500 to over 2,350.

WEBSITE Statistics

16,483 visits 9,642 visitors

Written WSCF Resources: July 2013 to June 2014 19/11/2013

24/09/2013

Six Questions & Answers: Stories about ‘Us’ – The Longevity of Community Work

A Stronger Voice for Aboriginal Families video

17/02/2014 15/04/2014

ZEST Community Stories Booklet (in partnership with TRI & WESTIR) ZEST Highlights Booklet

30/04/2014 31/08/2013

30 Years 30 Stories Community Corporate Engagement Tool Kit - How to get a Corporate Partner

20/8/2013 2013/2014

Stories on Cross-Sector Collaboration

HACC/CCSP Tool Share On-Line

18/03/2014 19/5/2014

GWS Interagencies List (updated) WSCF Membership Brochure (updated)

Other Resources Fortnightly E-Flash Newsletter 6 month HACC/CCSP Training Calendar 2014 (Feb-Jun) 6 month HACC/CCSP Training Calendar 2014 (Aug-Dec) Bi-monthly HACC Flash Newsletter Weekly Community E-News (in partnership with TRI & WESTIR)

37

WSCF 2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT

WSCF Training Room In this reporting period, the Training Room has been used by WSCF and external organisations and businesses as far away as Melbourne and Brisbane.

The Training Room is self-contained and fully equipped with electronic whiteboard, overhead projector, and data projector with PC. There is plenty of natural light and the room holds 18-20 people boardroom style, 30 in cafe-style and up to 60 in theatre style.

The WSCF Training Room is wheelchair accessible, with lift access and accessible bathroom facilities. The WSCF Training Room is located in the Parramatta CBD, a short stroll from Parramatta railway station and bus interchange. The FREE Parramatta City Bus - the Loop Bus (which runs every 10 mins) stops just around the corner from this venue.

We are happy to report that 50% of usage of the Training Room was by WSCF and the remaining 50% by external clients. It has been estimated that over 600 people from some 450 organisations have visited the Training Room for meetings or training in this reporting period.

Facilitators were asked to complete an evaluation form on the room and the service they received after each event, and the results are most pleasing as indicated by the chart following.

Feedback was requested on how the Training Room met the presenter’s expectations, and whether the room hire fee and catering costs were affordable. They were also asked to comment on the standard of catering offered. 100% of the users testified they would recommend this training room to others.

The Forum has taken this process to understand the needs of our clients, and to help us to continue to provide an effective and efficient service to our users.

“Yes, comfortable and just the right size.”

“Yes - 100%. It has everything you'll ever need

in a training room.” “The room was well setup

and provided a comfortable environment in which to hold the focus groups.”

10%

20%

53%

17%

WSCF TRAINING ROOM USAGE AND SERVICE

EVALUATIONS(July 2013 to June 2014)

Average

Satisfactory

Good

Excellent

Outstanding

38

Appendix A: WSCF MEMBERSHIP 2013 2014 Ability Options Acquired Brain Injury Services NSW Inc Adolescent & Family Counsellors Assoc.WS Region ADS Care Affordable Community Housing Limited` Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations Inc Anglicare Chesalon Services Nepean Anglicare Community Care Centre Nepean Anglicare Family Services Sadlier Anglicare Mt Druitt - Westlink Respite Service Anglicare Parramatta Anowah Community Living Inc Arab Council Australia Asian Women at Work Inc Auburn Community Development Network Auburn Diversity Services Inc Auburn Youth Centre Aunties & Uncles Co-operative Australian Health Care Services Australian Nursing Home Foundation Ltd. Autism Spectrum Australia Bankstown Area Multicultural Network Bankstown Canterbury Community Transport BCS Care Centre – Nepean Benevolent Society Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre Blacktown Community Transport Blacktown Neighbour Aid Blacktown Meals on Wheels Blacktown Women and Girls Centre Blaxland Volunteer Home Visitors Bligh Park Community Services Inc Blue Gum Housing Inc Blue Mountains Aboriginal Culture & Resource Centre Blue Mountains Family Support Service Inc Blue Mountains Food Services Inc Blue Mountains Recreation & Respite Service Blue Mountains Women's Health & Resource Centre Blue Mountains Youth Accomm & Support Service Inc Bonnie Women's Refuge Boronia Multicultural Service Bradley, P (Ind) BREED Taskforce Inc Bridges Inc Cabramatta Community Centre Camden Community Connections Cancer Council NSW - Greater Western Sydney Care Connect Ltd Carrigan, John (Ind) Cassia Community Centre

43%

33%

20%4%

NUMBER OF MEMBERS

Cumberland Nepean

South West Outside area

71% of our current financial members have Deductable Gift Remuneration (DGR) or Public

Benevolent Institution (PBI)

Status

39

WSCF 2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT

CatholicCare Liverpool CatholicCare Social Services (Parramatta Diocese) Catherine Villa Centacare Parramatta Citizen Advocacy Western Sydney Inc Community Compass Inc Community First Step Community Links Wollondilly Inc Community (HHP) Migrant Resource Centre Community Resource Network, Blacktown Community Wheels Connect Child & Family Services Inc Coolaburoo Neighbourhood Centre Inc Creating Links Co-operative Ltd Cumberland Women’s Health Centre Cumberland/Prospect Respite and Carelink Dial Us Inc Disability Enterprises Disability Services Australia Disability South West Inc Disability Trust (The) Diverse Community Care Elizabeth Evatt Community Legal Centre Emmaus Disabled Persons Catholic Services Essie Women's Refuge Inc Fairfield City Meals on Wheels Inc Fairfield Migrant Resource Centre Fairfield Parent Support Centre Fairfield Youth Accommodation Services Family Worker Training & Development Fusion Australia Ltd Gilgai Aboriginal Centre Inc Glossodia Community Centre Graceades Community Cottage Inc Granville Multicultural Community Centre Greystanes Disability Services Great Community Transport Inc Greek Welfare Centre Gunedoo Child and Family Trauma Counselling Hawkesbury Colo Meals on Wheels Inc Hawkesbury Nepean Community Legal Centre Hills Community Aid and Information Service Inc Hills Community Care Holroyd City Council Home Support & Community Services Parra Horticultural Therapy Society of NSW Inc Immigrant Women's Speakout Assn of NSW Impact Youth Services Pty Ltd Independent Living Centre NSW Independent Living for Physically Disabled Inc

Information & Cultural Exchange (ICE) Inner West Skills Centre Interaction Disability Services Ltd Joan Harrison Support Services for Women Junction Works (The) Karabi Community &Development Services Inc Kari Aboriginal Services Katoomba Neighbourhood Centre Kincare Community Services L’Arche Sydney Inc Lifestyle Solutions Lithgow Community Transport (Translinc) Inc Liverpool Neighbourhood Connection Liverpool Women’s Health Centre Lone Parent Family Support Services Lower Mountains Neighbourhood Centre Macarthur Diversity Services Initiative ltd Mackillop Family Services Macquarie Legal Centre Marayong House Neighbourhood Centre Marist Youth Care Mattarelli, G (Ind) Merana Aboriginal Com Assoc. Hawkesbury Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre Mission Australia - Communities for Children Mountains Community Resource Network Mountains Outreach Community Services Inc Mountains Youth Services Team Inc (MYST) Mt Druitt Ethnic Community Agency Inc MTC Work Solutions Multicultural Disability Advocacy Assn. NSW My Home Living Care Pty Ltd NADO Inc Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services Nepean Food Services Nepean Independent Living Committee Nepean Migrant Access Inc Nepean Volunteer Services Nepean Youth Accommodation Service NESH Women's Scheme Inc North Richmond Community Centre North St Marys Neighbourhood Centre Inc North West Disability Services Inc Northcott Disability Services NSW SLASA Outer Liverpool Community Services Inc Parramatta Climate Action Network (ParraCAN) Parramatta Mission Parramatta Young Christian Workers Parramatta Your Rights @ Work Group

40

Parramatta/Holroyd Family Support Inc PATH Inc Penrith City Council Penrith Women's Health Centre Inc Peppercorn Services Inc Powerhouse Youth Theatre Public Service Association Quakers Hill Family Centre Reconciliation for Western Sydney Inc Richmond Community Services Inc Riverstone NHC & Community Aid Services Inc Rosie’s Place Schools Industry Partnership Sector Connect SEE Foundation Inc SEVA International Inc South West Community Transport South West Sydney Legal Centre Inc Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Co-op Ltd St Clair Youth & Neighbourhood Team St Marys Area Community Development Project Inc St Michael's Family Centre Ltd STARTTS NSW Swinson Cottage Family Centre Inc Sydney Latvian Society - Latvian Aged Care SydWest Multicultural Services Inc TAFE Outreach BM Telopea Family Resources The Parks Community Network Inc The Parramatta College Toongabbie Legal Centre Inc Transition Parramatta Ltd TRI Community Exchange Tuesday Night Club Inc

Wesley Mission -Brighter Futures B/town & Baulkham Hills

Wesley Mission - Brighter University of Western Sydney Ubink, N (Ind) Unfolding Futures Uniting Care Burnside, Campbelltown Uniting Care Social Justice Unit Uniting Care Stepping Stone Community Housing Ltd University of Western Sydney WASHHouse Werrington Community Project Inc Wesley Home Modification & Maintenance Ser Wesley Mission - Brighter Futures Cumberland Warragamba/Silverdale NH Centre Inc Wentwest Limited Wentworth Community Housing Wentworth Futures Nepean Werrington Community Project Inc Wesley Mission – HACC Support Services B/T Wesley Mission - Mt Druitt Integrated Youth Ser Western Housing For Youth (WHY) Ltd Western Suburbs Haven Inc (The) Western Sydney Public Transport Users WESTIR Ltd Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre Wollondilly Support & Community Care Inc Women's Activities & Self Help House Women's Legal Services NSW Woodville Community Services Inc Workers Health Centre WSROC Youth Action - Western Sydney Project Youth Solutions YWCA

Jan Collie

Paul Trevaskis

Jenny Gillespie

Maree McDermott

Sandra Lee

Alex Gooding

Cheryl Webster

Ricci BartelsBarbara Gapps

Judi Bamford

Robin Gurr

Noel Hiffernan

Ken Matthews

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WSCF 2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT

Appendix B

Partnerships & Alliances

Stronger Voice for Greater Western Sydney Partnership Western Sydney Community Forum Inc. WESTIR Limited TRI Community Exchange Inc.

Sydney Alliance Member Organisations

Arab Council of Australia Asian Women at Work Australian-Filipino Business & Workers Club Inc Bankstown Uniting Church Brighton-Kogarah Uniting Church Cancer Council NSW Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay Catholic Diocese of Parramatta CatholicCare Sydney Climate Action Network Australia Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union Dress for Success Sydney Engadine Community Church Forestville Uniting Church Glebe Café & Kaos Church Good Beginnings Australia Imagine Sydney Baptists Immigrant Women Speakout Association Inner South-West Community Development Organisation Marrickville Uniting Church Metro Migrant Resource Centre National Tertiary Education Union National Union of Workers Northmead Uniting Church

NSW Council of Christians and Jews NSW Jewish Board of Deputies NSW Nurses Association Parramatta Nepean Presbytery Pitt St Uniting Church Rail, Tram and Bus Union Settlement Services International Shop, Distributive & Allied Employees Assn South West Sydney Legal Centre St George Migrant Resource Centre St John’s Anglican Church Glebe St Vincent de Paul Society Sydney Marae Inc Sydney North Presbytery The Hill Holroyd Parramatta MRC Unions NS United Muslim Women’s Association United Services Union United Voice Uniting Church Synod of NSW ACT UnitingCare NSW ACT Western Sydney Community Forum Youth Action